GAP Standardized Work Plan Format

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In Section 3, “Work Plan and Reporting Templates,” of the Indian
General Assistance Program (GAP) 2006 Grant Administration Guidance (71 FR
9547, Feb. 24, 2006) required the EPA Regional Offices to use a standardized
work plan format for FY 2007 and beyond for use in working with federally
recognized tribal governments and inter tribal consortia in negotiating GAP
grant agreements. Since publication in the Federal Register, the work plan
format has been revised based on discussions with the Regional Offices.

Description of Standardized Work Plan Format. The structure of the standardized
work plan format assists recipients in ensuring that they address applicable
regulations in 40 CFR Part 35, Subpart B, EPA’s Indian General Assistance
Program Guidelines on the Award and Management of General Assistance Agreements
for Indian Tribes (March 9, 2000) (referred to as the “GAP Guidelines”),
and the Indian General Assistance Program (GAP) 2006 Grant Administrative
Guidance (71 FR 9547, Feb. 24, 2006), and assists EPA in complying with EPA
Order 5700.7 “Environmental Results under EPA Assistance Agreements.”
The following citations are the specific references for each section of the
standardized work plan format:

Further information regarding the environmental outcomes, estimated component
costs and estimated component work years, and commitments portions of the
standardized work plan format is provided below. Additional information beyond
what is shown in the work plan format may be required by EPA Regional Offices
as part of a complete work plan package (see 40 CFR 35.507 (a)).

Outputs (or deliverables) refer to an environmental activity, effort, and/or
associated work product related to an environmental goal or objective, that
will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date.
Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative but must be measurable within the
time frame for which the work plan is funded.

Outcomes refer to the environmental result, effect, or consequence that will
occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related
to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be environmental,
behavioral, health-related or programmatic in nature and must be quantifiable.

Intermediate outcomes are results expected to be achieved within the time
frame for which the work plan is funded.

Long-term outcomes are those anticipated results of the work plan component
that may not necessarily be achieved within the time frame for which the work
plan is funded.

EPA Order 5700.7 also requires assistance agreements to be linked to EPA’s
Strategic Plan/GPRA architecture at the goal, objective, and where appropriate,
sub-objective level. GAP grants are intended to provide tribes with the resources
to develop the capacity to manage environmental protection programs in all
media areas. All GAP grants support Goal 5: Compliance and Environmental Stewardship,
Objective 3: Improve Human Health and the Environment in Indian country of
EPA’s Strategic Plan. However, due to the multi-media nature of the
GAP grants, it is important for EPA to be able to identify further linkages
to Strategic Plan goals, objectives, and sub-objectives that actions funded
under GAP support. EPA Regional Offices will facilitate making these linkages
by identifying the most relevant EPA Strategic Plan goals, objectives, and
sub-objectives for each component described in the work plan. EPA’s
2006-2011 Strategic Plan is available at http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm.

Estimated Component Cost and Estimated Component Work Years. The cost of
each work plan component and the work years required to complete must be estimated
by recipients. While it is not required, EPA strongly recommends that recipients
show estimated costs that can be anticipated and linked to each commitment.
This encourages cost accountability, helps tribes and EPA determine if costs
seem reasonable, and is consistent with Governmental Accounting Standards
Board (GASB) no. 34 [Basic Financial Statements—and Management's Discussion
and Analysis—for State and Local Governments (Issued 6/99) ] accounting
principles that are supported by the Native American Finance Officers Association.

Commitments. For purposes of tracking how GAP funds are being used by grant
recipients, recipients and EPA Regional Offices are required to categorize
the range of activities (commitments) into the capacity development areas
listed below. These categories reflect the key areas in which GAP funds are
intended to build environmental management capacity (Section II (A), GAP Guidelines,
March 9, 2000). The information collected here enables EPA to more accurately
and consistently report the range and quantity of activities related to building
capacity in these areas for communication with tribal governments and other
parts of the federal government. Categorization of activities also enables
more precise coordination with other parts of EPA on current tribal activities
and potential capacity building needs. Each work plan should state the primary
or principal category being developed for each work plan component, as well
as for each activity, based on the following categories:

Legal - activities include the development of a legal and enforcement infrastructure
(e.g., codes, regulations, ordinances, and standards that can be used to implement
management policies and guidelines).

Enforcement and Compliance - activities develop the capacity to perform
the inventories, compliance reviews, and inspections needed to ensure compliance
with environmental policies and guidelines.

Communications - activities develop the capacity to communicate about environmental
issues with the community, tribal executives, the regulated community, and
other government entities.

Administrative - activities develop the capacity and procedures for managing
and accounting for program funds, including procedures for staffing and training,
management of office resources and personnel, and communication with other
tribal government agencies concerning program procedures and practices.

Solid and Hazardous Waste Implementation - activities may include, but
are not limited to, removal of abandoned vehicles, scrap metals and used tires,
planning and conducting household hazardous waste cleanups, establishing recycling
collection areas and support facilities, and open dump cleanups.